FAT EMBOLISM AND FAT EMBOLISM SYNDROME;
MANAGEMENT TRENDS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29309/TPMJ/2008.15.04.2940Keywords:
Fat embolic syndrome, FES, fat emboli, fat embolus, at droplet in venous system, blunt trauma, fracture complication,, altered mental status.Abstract
Fat Embolism and the associated Fat Embolism Syndrome is a serious and potentially life threatening condition. It tends to
occur usually after fractures or intramedullary instrumentation of long bones. Non-traumatic conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus severe Burns,
SLE, sickle cell disease and Pancreatitis can also lead to Fat Embolic syndrome. Young adults are commonly affected. Presentation consists
of an asymptomatic interval followed by pulmonary and neurological manifestations combined with petechial haemorrhages. The diagnosis
largely depends on high index of suspicion and exclusion of other conditions. Treatment of this condition remains supportive. Mortality
associated with this condition is significant, ranging from 10-20% .
